AITGS Case Study
Modernized Permitting and Reporting for the Office of Subsistence ManagementSupporting the OSM Mission
The Office of Subsistence Management (OSM) provides administrative support to the Federal Subsistence Board and Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils, helping manage the regulatory process and the Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program for Alaska’s subsistence communities.
To continue supporting this mission, OSM needed to modernize its Alaska Subsistence Permitting application that manages resident communities, personal contact information, hunting and fishing permits, harvest reporting, proposals, and regulatory actions.
THE CHALLENGE
The need for modernization was also clear in the access challenges faced by Alaska residents. Permit applications and harvest reports had to be submitted by mail or phone, and with many constituents living in remote areas, paper-based processes were burdensome for both residents and staff. OSM wanted a more efficient way for residents to apply for permits, submit required reports, and check the status of their requests without physically handling paperwork.
Justin Koller, Regulations Division Supervisor for OSM, commented,
“The vision was always to add a public-facing portal. Internet and cellular data are becoming more widely available in rural Alaska, so it makes sense to offer a complete online method to obtain federal subsistence permits and submit harvest reports, creating efficiencies and better serving rural Alaskans.”
THE SOLUTION
OSM partnered with Arctic IT to rebuild the ASP application on the Microsoft Power Platform, using a model-driven Power App and Power Pages portal to replace the legacy database and introduce new digital services.
The modernized system supports a Zero Trust architecture for governance and centralizes key permitting data, including
- Resident communities and contact information
- Hunting and fishing permits
- Regulatory years and events
- Harvest reports
- Proposals and regulatory actions
For internal users, the ASP Power App provides a secure system of record for permit administration. Staff can manage permit applications, review resident eligibility, track harvest reporting requirements, oversee proposals and regulatory actions, and access data needed to support day-to-day program operations.
For resident subsistence users, the new portal provides a branded, web-based experience for submitting permit applications and harvest reports. Once a user submits a request, an appropriate field officer can review and approve it. Users can also access information about report status and due dates through the portal.
This solution incorporates modern authentication and access controls, including support for Login.gov and PIV/SAML-based access for internal and partner organizations. This helped create a more seamless login experience across DOI users, USDA, and other non-DOI users who require compliant access.
After the initial app development was completed, Arctic IT Government Solutions continued the project through launch and support. The team made additional system improvements, including enhanced permit preview capabilities and eligibility automation to help ensure applicants meet criteria before a permit is approved.
THE RESULTS
“In meeting these standards, we are able to continue serving rural Alaskans. As we continue to refine the application, we are gaining efficiencies in permit creation and data management,” said Koller.
In addition, the new portal will allow resident subsistence users to submit harvest reports digitally instead of relying on paper forms, mail, or phone-based processes.
By rebuilding the legacy system on the Power Platform, OSM gained a modern, low-code foundation that can continue to evolve as program needs change.
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